An Unending Urge to Serve: Sam Verzosa

 

This is just one of the few instances where I met Congressman Sam Verzosa (of Tutok To Win Partylist), and yes he's been doing this even before he went into public service. Today was the same as he ventured into the inner streets of Manila, to say the least, spend time and effort for the people who live here. 

He's worked with organizations, in Frontrow Cares, and his show SV Cares in GTV to make sure that he could still lend a hand where he can. His story of success is amazing. Growing up in the streets of Sampaloc, Manila, he wanted to make sure his family would have food on the table, a livable income, and education. He didn't get this outright, so he had to device a way to use his street smarts to find and build a business that could finance his needs and his family. He now owns several businesses and was successful with it because he really worked hard for it. With his capacity yo earn, he now has the chance to help other people which is why he's doing this. He didn't just give rice and basic necessities, but also taught how they could have their own businesses so they too could fend for themselves. He's teaching them exactly what he learned from his life story, he did this in different parts of the Philippines and this time, he wanted to do it in his hometown Manila.

Here's our interview with him during his activities:

Sam says "This is really not just because I'm celebrating my birthday in a few days, this is something that I do on a normal day to help communities. I've been doing this for a while now. I'm glad that Frontrow Cares, different organizations, Tutok to Win, Batang Sampaloc Foundation and SV Cares have partnered up so we can do this for them. We are just continuously doing what we have been doing in the past. We are now in Pandacan, but this morning we also went to Sta. Mesa, Pandacan, Sta. Cruz, and not just give them necessities, but medical assistance too. People need their maintenance medicine, and we included that in our caravans."

He adds "I almost cried when I saw the crowd here earlier, they warmly welcomed me when I arrived. I went to different parts of Manila and it felt special. I received hugs, some people were crying, and this is one of the reasons why I want to do this more on ground. This is why I want to extend help, even if it's out of my pocket, because I have the capacity to do so and hope I could do this even more. As long as I have the capacity to help, I will do it." 

His unending urge to serve is evident, and for the people of Manila, who sees value in this, SV will be in your place soon. He promises to do this as long as he has got the capacity to help, and that's good news.

Several Actors Shine on GMA's "PULANG ARAW"

I've been trying so hard to keep mum about this series, I'm talking about GMA's biggest series yet, "Pulang Araw".

See, I think I've heard about it a few years ago and thought that it was going to be shelved. I'm so glad to be proven wrong today as it does the world TV premiere, right after it's launch through Netflix a couple weeks ago. 

When I heard of the story, I really felt how quite promising it would be. Delving in history, the war, the Japanese, and the personal/family complications... there's just a lot of things you can pull off from that. 

Here's a video of the red carpet event:

Then there's the artists portraying the role. Coming from the very successful "Maria Clara at Ibarra", GMA wants a continuation of the #BarDa pairing so they got David Licauco and Barbie Forteza in this show. Then a little about 10 years ago, they already told Alden Richards about it. This is also the first time he is being paired with Sanya Lopez, so there's a lot to see where their stories would go.

 

The first episode I could say had no SHORTCHANGING in the acting department. Since this is a backgrounder, the young versions of these four gigantic stars of GMA would take the spotlight. Aside from them, this is the time you'll notice how underrated RHIAN RAMOS is as she plays the mother of Barbie and Alden's characters (Adelina, Eduardo). Rhian Ramos as the mother of young Alden and Barbie is EXCEPTIONAL. She's feisty, didn't hold back raising arms for her son and daughter who got beat up, teased and bullied by other kids. She's a gem in this series albeit short-lived, it was enough to showcase who she IS as an actress. I'd give her a trophy today just for that, and I'm not even joking.

Aside from Rhian who stole the show (first episode), another person decided to tell us during the preview that he's a force to reckon with. His name is Aidan Veneracion, whom I often see in workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo (with or without reason, he comes voluntarily). Albeit new to the business as a Sparkle Teen, he's really outstanding in the first salvo. Another star is Cassy Lavarias who played the young Barbie Forteza. She has this innate charm to pull you in on her struggles. She cries like a legendary actress, but she's still a child... so imagine the things she can do in a few years. Heck, she'll give a lot of veterans a run for their money. She's that good. They could be the reason you'll love PULANG ARAW on the first episode, and  follow these individual stories through.

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

 Here are some of the other stars to join the show!

See, this is not normal. I could just have seen the first episode to be just another episode, but no. PULANG ARAW deserves the attention NOW and in the next few episodes. The sweetness of relationships, friendships, and nationalism, mixed with the star power of the lead stars they've managed to put together in one show, how can you not love a story like this?! 

You need to watch the show, PULANG ARAW is now streaming on Netflix. The episodes will be out early in the platform, a few days before the one shown on TV and GMA subsidiaries. You don't need to deeply think about the story, you just have to have the heart to love it just like what they did to the people in their lives and this story. Imagine if it's going to be Alden, Barbie, David and Sanya's turn, they actually were phenomenal in the short instances they appeared in the first episode (Alden made the war scenes in the forest quite a visual feast!)

Make sure you watch it, because as far as I'm concerned, it's one WELL MADE series that deserves to be seen. It's realistic, excellent graphics (especially the planes during the war), funny in some places, and you'll love how.. in a way, shape or form, impress you even if you don't like it. It's that impressive!

TOTGA Ends Exciting Show Today

Today marks the end of popular romcom show The One That Got Away on GMA primetime TV. Sad that it has all come to this, and as of yesterday the three men and three ladies seem to have not realized their dream of having a peaceful love life and relationship because now, they're all trapped in a forest - with no help or signal along the way because the plans of Renz Fernandez and vixen Solenn Heussaff are still in play. Tied up and gagged, will the ladies be able to find them later in the finale episode?

Don't get your hopes up because it's a bit difficult as they have split out and tried to find them in that forest, with no assurance that they'd be still alive or be eaten fresh by Renz Fernandez and Solenn's character. Lovi says "I will miss working with my co stars especially Dennis whom I find so good in the acting department, how he shifts, how he portrays the main guy, we felt it's all fresh and new!"

Max Collins adds "What I would miss most is the bond and friendships we formed while we did this series. Our fight scenes, we were like kids on the playground, I'll miss them all." While Rhian on the other hand says "I gave my all, my character here is so experimental and won't just fall on your lap everyday, I thank the creatives for making such fun personas in this show."

TOTGA also stars Ivan Dorschner, Migo Adecer,  Jason Abalos, Ms. Snooky Serna, Bembol Roco, Luz Valdez, Ervic Vijandre, Nar Cabico, Jason Francisco, Patricia Ismael, Kelley Day,  Euwenn Aleta and Sophie Albert. This was conceptualized for TV by Angeli Delgado, written by Renei Dimla under the GMA Entertainment Group of Madame Lilybeth G. Rasonable. This is directed by Mark Sicat Dela Cruz.

Watch the last episode later please! I would be too! :)

KUMAGCOW

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